Coaching buddies Kubiak, Sherman square off Sunday

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This might be the only week of the year in which Texans coach Gary Kubiak and “Hard Knocks” star Mike Sherman don’t exchange text messages.

Kubiak and Sherman have been friends since they were members of R.C. Slocum’s staff at Texas A&M in 1992-93. They’re still friends, but they won’t be texting this week because the Texans kick off the regular season against Miami, where Sherman is in his first season as offensive coordinator under Joe Philbin. Sherman would like nothing more than to help the Dolphins pull an upset at Reliant Stadium, where the Texans are favored by 12 points.

Before the “Hard Knocks” cameras moved into the Dolphins’ training facility, Sherman watched every offensive and defensive tape of every game the Texans played last season. He understands why the Texans are projected to be a Super Bowl contender.

Sherman’s take
“Gary’s got a great team,” Sherman said from Miami this week. “I don’t know if there’s a better-coached team on both sides of the ball than the Texans. And they’ve got talented players, which makes them even tougher, of course.”

When the Dolphins have the ball Sunday, rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who left A&M a year early and was drafted in the first round, will start against a defense that ranked second last season.

“Hopefully, we can keep him out of harm’s way,” Sherman said, “but he has to make good decisions with the ball.”

When Kubiak was hired to rebuild the franchise in 2006, he asked Sherman to join him as assistant head coach. Sherman had been fired as Green Bay’s head coach and was planning to sit out a season. But Kubiak was convincing, and Sherman knew his friend could use his help. Sherman worked for Kubiak in 2006 and 2007 before the lure of returning to College Station for a third time was too enticing.

Joint venture
Before he left to become A&M’s head coach, Sherman helped Kubiak lay a foundation for success that took longer than they anticipated. But Kubiak has found success, and the next step might come at Sherman’s expense.

In his third stint with the Aggies, Sherman lasted four years before being fired after last season. Sherman was given his pink slip and returned to the NFL.

The Dolphins fly to Houston on Saturday when the Aggies make their SEC debut against Florida at Kyle Field.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for me,” Sherman said. “I’m happy for them. From the outside looking in, I think coach (Kevin) Sumlin is doing a great job. I’m confident they’ll do well in the SEC.”

Sherman had so many jobs at A&M he became an honorary Aggie. His buddy Kubiak is a genuine Aggie Sherman and Kubiak share characteristics that have made them successful in the NFL.

“I’m so happy for (owner Bob) Mr. McNair, too. He’s one of the great owners in this league. He loves the city of Houston. He’s so passionate about his team, and he’s very supportive of his staff. I’ve always admired the way he ran his team. He’s been patient, and it’s paid dividends.”

Risky business
Every coach dreams of working for a patient owner during an era that demands instant success.

Sherman won’t campaign for another job, but it’s no secret he’d like to be a head coach again. He was fired at Green Bay even though he helped the Packers dominate the NFC North.

“I’ve always felt that no matter where you are, if you do that job, other opportunities will come your way,” Sherman said. “If you take care of today, tomorrow will come.”